Apparatus for forming a coil of line

Abstract

An ultimate product which is a package of coiled line is disclosed. The package includes the coiled line exteriorly of a demountable spool. The demountable spool is ideally formed by two members, each identical to the other, and interfitting with each other in order to provide support of the coil at a spacing of 90°. A companion to the invention of the line package, is the method of winding the line on the spool which comprises supporting between the four support members of the demountable spool in an arcuate fashion, or its equivalent, those portions of the line which are intermediate the support members of the demountable spool. After the demountable spool has been totally wound or coiled with the line, the arcuate support portion or its equivalent is removed, and the package of line remains with its essential annular coil on the demountable spool.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. Apparatus for forming a coil of line, including a demountable central spool having a plurality of interior and exterior fingers on said spool terminating in a coil support comprising, in combination, a winding mechanism including a drive and means for receiving said spool,   a plurality of arcuate members for positioning between the exterior fingers of said spool to form therewith a cylindrical mandrel-like structure, and means for guiding line to the spool for winding the line on the spool.   
     
     
       2. Apparatus for forming a coil of line according to claim 1, wherein said guiding means includes, a level wind mechanism for guiding the line to the subject spool.   
     
     
       3. Apparatus for forming a coil of line according to claim 2, wherein, said level wind mechanism has means for slaving to the drive for the spool for permitting level wind in timed relationship to the rotation of the spool.